The selectivity of chromatographic separation depends mostly on the stationary phase and mobile phase composition. Despite being a material with bonded simple organic molecule, a wide group of stationary phases contain immobilized compound that possesses biological activity. Stationary phases that contain amino acids and peptides as well as enzymes and proteins are alternative materials that ma…
We examine the cross-country dispersion in fiscal outcomes during 2008–09. Controlling for output, we find that the declines in the overall and structural fiscal balances were larger for those countries experiencing larger increases in unemployment and where credit growth during the pre-crisis period was more rapid. However, controlling for output and unemployment, there is no systematic cova…
Abstract: The German experience of the financial crisis was very different from that of most other European countries. Germany was hit by a very strong shock that was relatively concentrated in the exporting, manufacturing industries. In addition, the German labour market was very resilient during the crisis due to earlier labour market reforms and policy instruments facilitating labour hoard…
Abstract: Excessive waste along the food supply chain of 71 (UK, Netherlands) to 82 (Germany) kg per head per year sparked widespread criticism of the agricultural food business and provides a great challenge and task for all its players and stakeholders. Origins of this foodwaste include private households, restaurants and canteens, aswell as supermarkets, and indicate that 59–65% of this …
Abstract: Aim: The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between fetal growth restriction (FGR) and oxidativestress. The mechanisms that protect against oxidative stress in the local microenvironment were investigated by comparing the activities of the markers, both in the circulation and myometrium. Materials and Methods: Myometrial tissue and serum levels of malondialdehyd…
Abstract: Five different packaging treatments were studied over a 36- day period to determine if they protected soymilk from photo- oxidation. Soymilk was packaged in high- density polyethylene ( HDPE ) bottles with and without light protective additives ( LPA ). Two controls [(1) no LPA (translucent appearance); (2) a light- protected control (foil overwrap over no LPA control)] and three LPA…
Abstract: Despite the fact that the serum creatinine level is notoriously unreliable for the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the elderly, the serum creatinine concentration and serum creatinine-based formulas, such as the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study equation (MDRD) are the most commonly used markers to estimate GFR.Recently, serum cystatin C-based formulas, th…
We pose a seemingly ageless question in economic history.To what extent did newentrants in the late nineteenth-century cotton-textile industry threaten the customary markets of the European core? Exploiting a newly constructed dataset on textile imports to Spain, we find that as trade costs fell, new rivals began to sell a greater variety of products. Along this dimension, competition can be sa…
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pro-vitamin A-biofortified maize snacks with added leafy vegetable may have a potential as nutritious and health-promoting products, especially in addressing vitamin A deficiency, which is prevalent in developing regions. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of adding amaranth leaf powder on the physical, antioxidant properties and pro-vitamin A content…
Brief elucidation is presented of potential difficulties the researcher can face in the course of the molecular characterization of block copolymers with help of liquid chromatography under critical conditions. The impediments include the demanding identification of critical conditions, the limited area of applicable polymer molar mass, the high sensitivity of critical conditions toward minute…
Aim: Intermittent assessment of renal artery flow velocity waveforms during the early stages of pregnancymay help in predicting changes in amniotic fluid dynamics. The current study sought to determine the relation of renal artery and umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms with normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by either polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios. Material and Methods:…
Abstract: In decentralised European Monetary Union members such as Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany and Spain, the Stability and Growth Pact can only be implemented if there is close fiscal coordination among government tiers. Thus, limits on subcentral governments’ debt are essential in this coordination. This paper analyses which political and socio-economic factors influence compliance …
Abstract: Transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination policies create a quagmire for human resources to successfully implement. There is a dearth of knowledge about the extent, features, and aptitude of policies to prevent discrimination against transgender employees. This study analyzes all 154 localities that prohibit discrimination against gender identity or expression in employment, as of Jul…
Abstract: This article uses a constructivist approach to scrutinize embedded actions of situated agents of governance to explore the governing of activation services in Israel. It probes beliefs, discourses, and practices of meso-level regulation administrators and street-level workers to analyze the emergence of a new stringent and disciplinary activation mode. Ultimately, this activation m…
Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the kinetic of inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes using peracetic acid, chlorhexidine, and organic acids as active agent, determining the respective D-, Z-, and F-values. From our knowledge, these important results from an industrial view point are not available in the current literature, mainly for organic acids, pointing out the main c…
Abstract: Aim: To determine the convergent validity of the toddler dietary questionnaire (TDQ), previously shown to haveGood reliability and comparative validity, by assessing whether TDQ-derived dietary risk scores are associated withnutrient intakes, socio-demographic characteristics and weight status. Methods: Parents of 117 Australian children aged 12–36 months completed a demographic…
Purpose – This paper aims to report on a project aimed at using simulation for improving the quality of teaching and learning modeling skills. More specifically, the project goal was to facilitate the students to acquire skills of building models of organizational structure and behavior through analysis of internal and external documents, and interviews with employees and management. An impor…
Abstract: Malnutrition affects people of all ages in many countries in the developing world. One treatment for malnutrition is the intervention involving ready-touse therapeutic foods (RUTFs). This study developed RUTFs for pregnant women in Mali using formulation computer software and largely local, plantbased ingredients. Mali has the world’s second highest birth rate and infant mortality …
Intensive risk assessment is required before the approval of food additives. During this process, based on the toxicological principle of “the dose makes the poison,ˮ maximum usage doses are assessed. However, most consumers are not aware of these efforts to ensure the safety of food additives and are therefore sceptical, even though food additives bring certain benefits to consumers. This …
The Swiss economy’s comparatively robust performance in the current economic crisis is partly the result of its characteristics, but public institutions also made Switzerland resilient. We focus here on institutions that foster sound public finances. The Swiss federal debt brake played a key role in keeping the federal debt in check; along with fiscal rules, institutions such as direct democr…
As the financial landscape for consumers becomes increasingly complex,the importance of facilitating financial capability increases. Although most financial decisions are made by adults, there is a burgeoning interest in providing financial education to children in the hope that they will develop the skills needed to successfully manage their financesin adulthood. This study uses an experiment…
The fresh food industry is increasingly more interested in developing efficient and innovative solutions to guarantee quality and distribution sustainability; one of the main factors that influences such crucial aspects is packaging. This paper aims to perform a critical analysis of two existing packaging solutions, i.e. corrugated fibreboard boxes and re-usable plastic containers, from both…
The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, precipitated by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the northeastern coast of Japan in March 2011, has raised concerns about the potential impact to marine biota posed by the release of radioactive water and radionuclide particles into the environment. The Fukushima accident is the only major nuclear accident that has resu…
Abstract: The effects of culinary practices such as boiling, frying, and grilling on the proximate compositions and concentrations of metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Hg) in commonly consumed fish species from the Nigerian coastal waters were investigated. The selected fish species were Polydactylus quadratifilis, Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus and Cynoglossus senegalensis. The culinary…
The possibility of processing a ready-to-eat nutrient-rich weaning food (WF) for infants within the age group of 0.5–0.9 years from cooking banana fortified with popular and affordable legumes (cowpea and peanut) was investigated with the aid of computer software and available technology in Nigeria. A composite of 47% cowpea, 40% ripe banana, and 13% peanut was processed, analyzed to compare …
Hemodialysis therapy significantly impacts on patients’ physical, psychological, and social performances.Such reduced quality of life depends on several factors, such as malnutrition, depression, and metabolic derangements. This study aims to evaluate the current nutritional status, quality of life and depressive symptoms, and determine the possible relationships with other risk factors for …
Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the user experience of young people with video content accessed through different technological artefacts. Design/methodology/approach – To this purpose, an essay has been assigned to the pupils of two lower secondary school classes (mean age 12 years) to know their diverse types of usage of multimedia content in their everyday lives. These composit…
Aim: To investigate the indications and effectiveness of ovarian transposition before pelvic irradiation. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with malignancies who underwent ovarian transpositionbefore pelvic irradiation. The collected data included age of patient, type and stage of cancer, details of irradiation treatment, and clinical and biochemical parameters of ovaria…
Purpose – The aim of the paper is to present the experience of New Bulgarian University (NBU) and the methodology followed for changing its educational programmes and developing new ones according to the labour market needs. Design/methodology/approach – Initially, the paper focuses on the need for adapting curricula for meeting the labour market demands for information and communication t…
Angiogenesis is a process of new blood vessel generation and under pathological conditions, lead to tumor development, progression, and metastasis. Many bioactive components have been studied for its antiangiogenic properties as a preventive strategy against tumor development. This study is focused on the effects of cinnamon extract in modulating the pathway involved in angiogenesis. Human um…
Nutritional properties of fufu analog produced from co-processing of cassava and cocoyam were studied. Cassava and cocoyam were fermented for 72 h, dried to obtain fufu flour. Proximate, functional, minerals, antinutritional factor, pasting properties, and sensory evaluation of various samples were determined. The results revealed that the moisture contents of the samples showed significant dif…
The main objective of the research is to develop a recipe of instant dry soup mix for easy preparationof ogbono soup. Instant ogbono mix powder was processed using common locally ingredients.Dika kernel powder, dried ugwu leaf, crayfi sh, stock fi sh, and a mixture of locust bean, onion, seasoning and Cameroon powder were formulated at different ratios to fi nd the best acceptable ogbono mix po…
Physicochemical properties of gari analog produced from coprocessing of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) were investigated. Cassava tuber and cocoyam were coprocessed at different percentages before frying separately. Proximate composition, mineral content, antinutritional factors, and sensory evaluation of various samples were determined. The results showed …
The effect of gamma irradiation at various doses (5, 10, 15, 20 kGy) was observed on pigeon pea flour stored for 3 months on proximate composition, functional properties, and peroxide value. Sensory evaluation was also carried out on bean cake (moinmoin) made from nonirradiated and irradiated pigeon pea flour. The results showed that stored gamma-irradiated samples had significantly lower (P < …
Abstract: Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a disease that can lead to acute kidney injury and often to other serious sequelae, including death. The disease is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. In view of the different courses of HUS, a minimum of three different pathogenetic types leading to HUS can be subdivided as follows: HUS cau…
This article examines the health and height of men born in England andWales in the1890s who enlisted in the army at the time of the FirstWorldWar, using a sample of recruits from the army service records. These are linked to their childhood circumstances as observed in the 1901 census. Econometric results indicate that height on Onlistment was positively related to socio-economic class, and neg…
In this article, the novel inventive steps for the extraction and quantification of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) from Acanthaster planci starfish, generally known as crown-of-thorns (COT), are reported. Starfish have been implicated with collagenous distributions within their body anatomy, thus making it a prima facie fact searching for the possibility that GAGs can be isolated from COT. In…
Abstract BACKGROUND:Animal blood is a large-volume by-product of the meat industry. Besides blood meal fertiliser, blood is marketed for humanconsumption as a supplement.Minimal comparativework on slaughterhouse animal blood fractions has been carried out. In this study, slaughterhouse deer, sheep, pig and cattle blood parameters were compared. Some blood constituents were determined. Fraction…
The quality of minced kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris caspia) with gum arabic encapsulated (0.3% and 0.5% w/w) and unencapsulated fennel extract (FE) (0.3% and 0.5% w/w) stored at 4°C was examined over a storage period of 15 days. The control and the treated fish samples were analyzed periodically for microbiological (total viable count [TVC] and total psychrotrophic count [TPC]) and chemical…
Accurate and specific analysis of target molecules in complex biological matrices remains a significant challenge, especially when ultra-trace detection limits are required. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry is often the method of choice for bioanalysis. Conventional sample preparation and clean-up methods prior to the analysis of biological fluids such as liquid–liquid extracti…
Abstract: Ferulago angulata subsp. carduchorum (Apiaceae) is a shrub indigenous to western Iran, Turkey and Iraq. In traditionalmedicine, F. angulata is recommended for treating digestive pains, haemorrhoids, snake bites, ulcers and as a sedative. The present study analysed the possible anxiolytic, antidepressant and antioxidant properties of F. angulata essential oil in a scopolamine-induced r…
Abstract: A main rationale of performance information is to empower citizens to make informed decisions by presentingthem with unambiguous information about the performance of institutions. However, even objective, clear,and unambiguous performance information is subject to biased interpretation depending on whether the information is consistent with the prior beliefs held by those who receive …
BACKGROUND: Seedling roots of anthocyanin-rich corn (Zea mays) cultivars contain high levels of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity. The development of a natural dietary supplement containing corn roots could provide the means to improve the restrictive diet of phenylketonuria (PKU) patients by increasing their tolerance to dietary phenylalanine (Phe). Therefore this research was undert…
1. Aquatic oligochaetes appear to be pre-adapted to live in the subterranean environment. However, in the absence of genuine troglomorphic characters, the stygobiotic status of groundwater oligochaetes can currently be inferred only from their exclusive presence in the subterranean environment. 2. Aquatic oligochaetes constitute a diverse and mostly endemic fauna. Of the more than 100 spec…
Dementia is common in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with a higher mortality. Factors associated with dementia in HD patients are not clear.We investigated factors associated with early dementia in HD patients. Chronic HD patients of 27 hemodialysis centers were enrolled in 2013. Early dementia was identified using the AD8 assessment. Factors sociated with early dementia …
Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the need to strengthen mental health systems following emergencies, including natural and manmade disasters. Mental health services need to be informed by culturally attuned evidence that is developed through research. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish rigorous ethical research practice to underpin the evidence-base for…
An analytical comparison for active chemical compounds and their antioxidant activities between three representative pigmented Thai rice cultivars was performed. It was revealed that the darkest purple-red cultivar (Kum Doi Musur, KDM) contained the highest total phenolic content of 1164.6 mg gallic acid equivalent per100 g (dry basis, db) and the highest total monomeric anthocyanin content of …
Aim: The molecular pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is unclear.Our aimwas to identify the genetic susceptibility forNOAin Japanese men by using a combination of transcriptome network analysis and SNPgenotyping. Material and Methods: We searched for candidate genes using RNA transcriptome network analysis of 2611 NOA-related genes that we had previously reported.We analyzed …
Aim: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcriptional regulator against oxidative stress through the induction of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes, such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutamyl cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC), and glutamyl cysteine ligase modulatory (GCLM). Nrf2 signaling is disrupted in pre-eclamptic placentas, although increased oxidative stress is…
Aim: To study the effect and relevant molecular mechanisms of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) on the proliferative activity of first trimester human trophoblasts in vitro. Materials and Methods: Extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVCTs) were isolated and cultured. Cells were cultured with IGF2 at different concentrations and the proliferative activity was measured using methyl thiazolyl tret…